Russia and Ukraine have a long history (see: Russia annexing Crimea in 2014). Now, Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to join theUS-led NATO alliance. Last year, the US warned Russiawas planning an invasion as soon as early 2022.Which is…*checks watch*...now.
Where do we stand?
Over 150,000 Russian troops are stationed near the border. Russia says ‘don’t worry, everybody, there are no plans to invade.’ The Kremlin also said this week it was pulling back some troops. The US said ‘that’s a lie.’ Yesterday, Sec of State Antony Blinken spoke at the UN to warn of the risk of invasion. President Biden said “every indication” shows Russia still plans to invade.
When?
Within the next few days.There are still efforts to de-escalate. But a cyberattack has already hit Ukraine’s defense ministry, army, and two major banks. According to the US, Russia’s planning a fake video of a Ukrainian attack to justify the invasion. Tensions were also heightened after the shelling at a kindergarten in eastern Ukraine yesterday, which left three injured.
What happens if Russia invades?
Biden’spromising a “swift and severe” response (diplomatic speak for sanctions).But no military response. Thousands of US troops are in neighboring countries to protect NATO allies.
And what about any US citizens in Ukraine?
Last week, Biden encouraged them to get out within 48 hours. The admin said it wouldn’t rescue them if they didn’t — reminding some people of Afghanistan.
theSkimm
The world is on edge to see if — or when —Russia launches a full-scale invasion. But it’s a level of violence Ukraine has already been coping with for years now amid its civil war.
PS: Need more background on Russia and Ukraine? We get into their complicated history here.
PPS: On our latest episode of “Skimm This,” we spoke with a reporter in Ukraine about what life there is like there right now.
And Also...This
What's also on the US military's top of mind...
This report. Earlier this week, a report found that sexual assault reports in US military academies shot up during the 2020-2021 school year. Cadets and midshipmen reported 131 assaults — up from 88 the year before. The biggest jump was from the Air Force Academy and the US Military Academy at West Point — despite the academies having programs in place to prevent sexual assault. The rise also came as many students returned to campus after shutdowns. Now, authorities plan to send an anonymous survey this spring, including questions about harassment and assault, to get more accurate numbers.
…Oh and speaking of reports, a global study has found that more than 1 in 4 women have experienced domestic violence in their life. Experts think the real number could be higher.
PS: If you need this, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotlinehere or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE.
While your friends keep looking for that perfect house…
Skimm HQ is celebrating the Presidents' birthdays on Monday. Meaning no Daily Skimm. See you back in your inbox Tuesday.
Getting in Gear
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Porsche
Got big goals and you cannot lie? Good news: We partnered with Porsche to share tips and terms that can help you reach ‘em. First up…
Feel like you’re always doing a million things at once? Meet monotasking, aka single-tasking. Because it turns out focusing on one thing at a time can help your brain retain info, help you cut back on mistakes, and help bring your stress levels down. That’s a lot of benefits.
The one thing we’d focus on today? Checking out the new Porsche Macan. It comes with self-steering park assistance, a compartment that’ll charge your phone sans cord, BOSE® surround sound speakers, and Apple CarPlay® integration for your iPhone®. Plus an extremely intuitive control center console. Build your own.
Thing to Know
As many as 70%
That’s the percentage of primary care visits that are driven by a patients’ psychological concerns, according to the American Psychological Association. Some examples of those concerns include: anxiety, panic, depression, and stress.
With life the way it is right now, that tracks. But since primary care physicians don’t always have the expertise or training to offer mental health treatment, it seems like more people might need collaborative care. Aka when a team of providers work together to give patients everything they need. Eden Health is all about that approach. Learn more about their offerings — and how you can work with your employer to access them — here.
Problem, Solved
Design: theSkimm | Image: Saalt, Fourlaps, Amazon
Common everyday problems can be pretty harmless, but that doesn’t make ’em any less annoying. That’s why it’s our mission to solve them with smart products. Here are some recs that’ll turn tiny frustrations into satisfying victories:
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. The fourth season we’ve all been waiting for. That’s right. “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is finally back. And as Midge enters a new decade, she's kissing opening acts goodbye. So drop everything, queue up Prime Video, and prepare to cry from laughing so hard.*
2. How to revive your skin in the dead of winter. Give your body the TLC it deserves with this award-winning exfoliating and moisturizing set. It comes with a buffing bar, smoothing solution, and toning lotion. And Skimm’rs get 15% off with code SKIMM.*
3. Major sales to shop this Presidents Day weekend. From Nordstrom to Casper to Allbirds, we’ve rounded up the best and biggest discounts to bookmark. Go on and get saving.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Reduce and download…Page S (CA). She works for ReusePass, an LA-based startup focused on helping local restaurants offer customers sustainable, reusable packaging. Join the zero-waste movement here.
(Some) Birthdays…theSkimm's Alexandra Napoli (NY), theSkimm's Becca Litt (NY), Ben Preziosi (NY), Sondi Stachowski (NC), Ilana Mandelbaum (CA), Lynne Madorsky (IL), Jaime Patel (CA), Trevor Noah (NY), Rob Ross (NY), Nicole Cook (CA), Samantha Zager (MN), Beena Kavalam (NJ), Cat Couture (WA), Abi Rychtik (WI), Adeline Taber (MI)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
Those who’ve seen “Bombshell” might be familiar with Gretchen Carlson’s story. This week on “Skimm This,” we talk to the former Fox News anchor about the landmark #MeToo legislation passed in Congress last week and what it means for workplace harassment. Listen now.
And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...
Listentoour news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
